Today, we’re introducing a new feature called “Staff Spotlight” where we highlight a member of the Schoolcraft College staff or faculty who recently has made news. Today, we sit down with Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid. Williams recently was elected the Delegate At Large for the MASFAA (Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators).

Schoolcraft College: Congratulations on this prestigious appointment, Michael. So what is the MASFAA and what will you be doing?

Michael Williams: MASFAA is the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and it includes the following states: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and Minnesota. MASFAA fosters and promotes standards of professional preparation in financial aid. We serve the needs and interests of students, faculties and administrations of post-secondary institutions. 

We also engage in communication between all schools within the Midwest responsible for the disbursement of student aid funds and we stimulate, promote and conduct systemic studies and research. I will be assisting the MASFAA President this year on any special project tasks. One of the tasks will involve forming a committee made up of various financial aid members across the Midwest to complete a new project.

SC: Please tell us a little about your education, your career at Schoolcraft College and how you got into financial aid.

MW: I graduated from Wayne State University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Management from the School of Business. I joined the Schoolcraft family initially back in 2007 as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid for just under four years. I moved to the same position at Macomb Community College for a number of years before returning to our amazing college as the Director of Financial Aid in late 2017.

Wow, I started in financial aid as a non-traditional work-study student back in early 2000 while in college. Seems like a lifetime ago now. Part of our training was to read the FA regulations (how exciting!) before we were able to assist students at the front counter. Throughout my time in financial aid I have worked every position, from call-center, to data entry, financial aid advisor for main campus and medical school to assistant director and now director. 

I have also served in a number of positions with our state association MSFAA (Michigan Student Financial Aid Association), where I just concluded my term as President last month. This career has enabled me to assist students with removing the financial barriers of a college education that I once encountered. It’s a great feeling of satisfaction to see a student that you helped that may have cried with you and did not think it was possible to walk across that stage at graduation.

SC: Financial aid is often a tricky subject even in the best of times. What should students know now, especially during the coronavirus pandemic?

MW: Apply! Apply! Apply! Financial aid is available for you. Students can complete the application now at studentaid.gov in the Apply for Aid section or on your cell phone by downloading the myStudentAid app. It’s quick, fast and easy to complete. The amazing financial aid staff is currently awarding aid for the 2019-20 spring/summer semester. If interested in aid for spring/summer just complete the Spring/Summer aid request form on the financial aid webpage after you complete your FAFSA (Free Applications for Federal Student Aid) if you haven’t already. If you are planning on attending for the fall semester, just complete your 2020-21 FAFSA application and we will reach out to you once we receive it.  

But that’s not all. Schoolcraft has a number of scholarships available for you to apply to. Just visit our Scholarship website and complete the scholarship application. There will be additional scholarships available with a few supplemental questions, but that’s it! We are here to help you achieve your educational goals.  

SC: Thank you so much, Michael. Is there anything you’d like to add?

MW: I’ll just say this: During this time we have seen some amazing efforts put forth by our staff here at Schoolcraft College during the worst-case scenario. In the midst of things changing daily at the local, state and national levels we have been able to weather the storm and continue to be open to serve our students in a different capacity and stay safe as well. My thanks go out to all of you in your respective areas. You truly are the reason that Schoolcraft College stands out in our community and the state of Michigan. Keep up the great work. Stay In and Stay Safe!

For more information about financial aid at Schoolcraft College, please visit the financial aid webpage at schoolcraft.edu/aid. You can also reach us via email and phone at finaid@schoolcraft.edu or 734-462-4433.